Colin Firth as King George VI. From The King's Speech
I recently saw The King's Speech and was fascinated with the wallpaper. In fact, some have called the wall in Lionel Logue's office a character all by itself. I agree. But, my favorite was the wallcoverings in the rest of his home and elsewhere. They reminded me of something I had seen before.
Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue in The King's Speech
Last year I purchased a French wallpaper sample book from a dealer of French decorative arts. I couldn't resist it-imagine my delight when I realized the front cover was dated 1938. The cover was a little worn, otherwise everything was intact.
The art director for the movie could have used the patterns in the book as inspiration for the set design.
Take a look.
Take a look.
You can barely see the gold stamped "1938."
Following are some of the hundreds of patterns in this very heavy book.
Complex pattern
WOW!
My favorite.
Reminds me of an art quilt.
This one looks like a linoleum pattern.
Another one perfect as a floor covering.
Linoleum!
I think these flowers are particularily fabulous!
Soft and exquisite.
Iconic!
I call this one "I think my grandmother had this on her bedroom walls."
What a color combination. Elegant and cool!
On the wall this will read as a solid red.
Another iconic pattern
I am still trying to figure out if that is a helicopter at the top right.
Looks familiar-iconic French children's illustration.
Hare, dead or alive
.Marie Antoinette?
It cannot be French without a toile.
Love the wallpaper inset into the picture frame molding.
Very Elsie De Wolfe.
The Chase. There is always a chasse!
The Price List
The End
If you are interested in purchasing this book, check out
Photography by Valerie Hutnan
Very nice wallpaper :)
ReplyDeleteCathy
Easy French
You are right. I 've had the same feeling when discovering the pattern.
ReplyDeleteI want to check this.
Great find.